Social Security payments in 2025 arrive on a fixed schedule based on your birth date, not on demand
The Social Security Administration pays most beneficiaries once a month on the same day every month. Your payment day depends on when you were born — not on when you filed, how much you receive, or what type of benefit you get. If you were born on the 1st through the 10th of any month, you receive payment on the second Wednesday of each month. If you were born on the 11th through the 20th, you receive payment on the third Wednesday. If you were born on the 21st through the 31st, you receive payment on the fourth Wednesday.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — a separate program for people with low income and limited resources — pays on the first of every month, regardless of birth date. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, SSI pays the day before. The same rule applies to regular Social Security: if your scheduled payment day is a weekend or federal holiday, you receive the payment on the last business day before that date.
Direct deposit is the only way to receive payments. The Social Security Administration stopped mailing checks in 2013. If you do not yet have direct deposit set up, you can arrange it through your bank, through the Social Security website, or by calling Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213.
Key Takeaways
- Your payment arrives on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month depending on whether you were born in the 1st–10th, 11th–20th, or 21st–31st of any month.
- SSI payments arrive on the 1st of each month, or the last business day before if the 1st is a weekend or holiday.
- Payments are deposited directly to your bank account; mailed checks are no longer an option.
- If your scheduled payment day falls on a weekend or federal holiday, you receive your payment on the last business day before that date.
- A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) took effect in January 2025 and affects the amount you receive each month.
2025 payment dates by birth date
The table below shows every payment date for 2025. Find the row that matches your birth date, then read across to see when you receive payment each month. If you receive SSI instead of regular Social Security, your payment date is always the 1st of the month (or the last business day before if the 1st is a weekend or holiday).
| Birth Date | Payment Day | 2025 Payment Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1st–10th of any month | 2nd Wednesday | Jan 8, Feb 12, Mar 12, Apr 9, May 14, Jun 11, Jul 9, Aug 13, Sep 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, Dec 10 |
| 11th–20th of any month | 3rd Wednesday | Jan 15, Feb 19, Mar 19, Apr 16, May 21, Jun 18, Jul 16, Aug 20, Sep 17, Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17 |
| 21st–31st of any month | 4th Wednesday | Jan 22, Feb 26, Mar 26, Apr 23, May 28, Jun 25, Jul 23, Aug 27, Sep 24, Oct 22, Nov 26, Dec 24 |
| SSI (all birth dates) | 1st of month | Jan 1, Feb 3, Mar 3, Apr 1, May 1, Jun 2, Jul 1, Aug 1, Sep 1, Oct 1, Nov 3, Dec 1 |
Mark these dates in your calendar or set a phone reminder so you know when to expect your deposit. If a payment does not arrive on the scheduled date, wait one business day before contacting Social Security — delays sometimes occur during weekends or when banks process deposits.
What changed in 2025: the cost-of-living adjustment
In January 2025, Social Security benefits increased by 2.67 percent. This is the annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. The amount you receive each month reflects this increase, though the exact dollar amount depends on your age, work history, and the type of benefit you receive.
If you receive both Social Security and SSI, your Social Security benefit increased by 2.67 percent, but your SSI payment may have changed differently. SSI has its own rules about how much you can earn and own without losing the benefit, and the increase in your Social Security may affect your SSI amount. If you are unsure how the COLA affects your specific situation, contact Social Security to ask about your benefit.
The COLA is calculated each year based on inflation data from the third quarter of the previous year. It is not something you request or apply for — it happens automatically if you receive benefits. Your payment stub or online account will show your new monthly amount.
How to check your payment date and amount
You can see your exact payment date and monthly amount through your Social Security account at ssa.gov. Create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one, then log in to view your benefit statement and payment information. Your statement shows your monthly benefit amount, your payment date, and a record of all deposits from the past 12 months.
You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ask about your payment date and amount. Have your Social Security number ready. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
If you receive benefits through a representative payee — someone who manages your benefits on your behalf — that person can also view your payment information through their own my Social Security account.
What to do if your payment is late or missing
If your payment does not arrive on the scheduled date, first check that you have the correct date for your birth date. Look at the table above to confirm. Then wait one business day, because bank processing can add a day to the deposit.
If your payment is still missing after one business day, contact Social Security. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Have your Social Security number and bank account information ready. Social Security can tell you whether the payment was sent and help you track it down. If there is a problem with your direct deposit, Social Security can help you update your bank information or arrange an alternative payment method.
Do not assume the payment will arrive late every month if it is late once. A single delay is usually a bank processing issue, not a problem with your benefit. But if payments are consistently late, contact Social Security to investigate.
Direct deposit setup and changes
If you do not yet receive your Social Security payment by direct deposit, you can set it up online, by phone, or in person. Go to ssa.gov and log into your my Social Security account, then select "Change Direct Deposit Information" to add or update your bank details. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office with your bank account number and routing number.
Changes to your direct deposit take effect within one to three business days. If you need to change your bank account, make the change as soon as possible so your next payment goes to the correct account. If you accidentally send a payment to an old account, contact your bank and Social Security — your bank may be able to redirect the deposit, or Social Security can investigate.
If you do not have a bank account, you can receive payments through a Direct Express card, a prepaid debit card issued by Comerica on behalf of the U.S. Treasury. You can sign up for Direct Express at directexpresscard.com or by calling 1-888-224-4829.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was born on the 31st and some months only have 30 days?
You still receive payment on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The day of the month does not matter — only the day of the week. If you were born on the 31st, you use the fourth Wednesday schedule for all 12 months, even in February.
Do I get paid twice if my birthday falls on my payment day?
No. Your payment day is determined by your birth date and does not change. If you were born on the 15th, you receive payment on the third Wednesday of each month, regardless of whether that day is your actual birthday.
Can I choose a different payment day?
No. Social Security assigns your payment day based on your birth date, and you cannot change it. The schedule is fixed to spread payments throughout the month and reduce processing strain on the system.
What happens to my payment if I move to a different country?
You can continue to receive Social Security payments in most countries, and they will still arrive on your regular schedule. However, some countries have restrictions. Contact Social Security before you move to confirm your payments will continue and to update your address.
If I receive both Social Security and SSI, do I get two payments?
Yes, but on different days. Your Social Security payment arrives on your birth-date-based Wednesday, and your SSI payment arrives on the 1st of the month (or the last business day before). Both deposits go to the same bank account unless you have arranged otherwise.